Body of missing abalone diver washes up on California beach

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The body of the abalone diver who went missing off the Coast of Mendocino County more than a week ago was recovered on Tuesday, authorities confirmed.

Lt. Greg Stefani of the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office announced that David Tan Le’s dead body lying face down at the edge of Moat Creek Beach in Point Arena was found by a beach visitor on Wednesday.

Le was still wearing his wetsuit, dive mask and a weight belt. An officer form the Country Sheriff’s office said the victim’s body was probably dragged out to sea but later washed up on the beach.

Numerous friends and relatives of the victim searched for abalone diver around 8 a.m. on 9th of May 9 near the beach. They became concerned when he didn’t return from the water. After searching the area themselves, they called authorities.

The number of people who lost their lives while diving for abalone along the coast of Northern California has been on the increase for the past few years.

In August last year, a 57-year-old diver identified as Yoshihiro Ohhashi of Pleasanton went missing after rough seas overcame him during his search for abalone off the Mendocino coast.

Rugged coasts of Marin, Mendocino and Sonoma counties attract thousands of divers during the April to November abalone season. Northern California boasts to have the lone ongoing abalone fishery in the state.

California State Attorney General Kamala Harris’ Office has confirmed that subpoenas have been issued to oil refiners as part of its investigation into unusually high gasoline prices in the state during last year.